We will commemorate Chicago’s long history as a hub of free speech with a stimulating afternoon of public debate on the Cubs’ proposed renovations to Wrigley Field, Edward Snowdon and WikiLeaks, laws requiring parental consent for underage abortions, fair and affordable housing in Chicago, conspiracy theories, and more. And we’ll proudly present this year’s Altgeld Award for Free Speech to Chicago Students Organizing to Save Our Schools (CSOSOS). Bring your loudest heckling voice, mount the open soapbox, and keep free speech alive and well. Take it to the park this summer!

Main Debate:

How much is it worth to the city to keep the Chicago Cubs?

Lester Munson v. Tom Tresser

Soapbox Speakers:

Allie Carter, “Parental Notice of Abortion Laws Harm Young Women and Should Be Overturned”

Learn more about what happens at the Bughouse Square Debates and browse past Debates. If you would like to be part of this year’s program, email your phone number and speech topic to programs@newberry.org.